Chapter 5
The day before the wedding, Kieran finally cracked and called me.
“Quinn, all the wedding logistics… you’ve got everything confirmed, right? Tomorrow we go to City Hall first, then the venue. You know the whole schedule, right? |
hile stuffing the
I murmured agreement while stuffing the last of my belongings into a suitcase]
“Yeah, I’ve got it all figured out.“]
Kieran audibly relaxed.]
“Good… that’s good…
*Ill pick you up tomorrow.“]
The next day, I put on a crisp white blouse instead of that $800 wedding dress he’d said was too expensive.
A car honked outside, and my phone started ringing.
Kieran sounded frantic
“Quinn, Luna’s having some issues with her move, and I need to help her out. I can’t pick you up.“[]
“Just take an Uber to City Hall–it’s just paperwork anyway. I’ll meet you there later.“[]
I replied calmly.]]
“Okay.”
Kieran paused, seeming to sense something was off.
“You’re… not mad, are you?”
“No, go ahead.”
After hanging up, Kieran sighed with relief and turned to Luna in the passenger
“All good. Let’s get your stuff moved first.“[]
Luna pouted, looking guilty.
“Im so sorry, Kieran. It’s my fault you’re late for getting your marriage license…”
Kieran reached over to pat her head.
“Silly girl–your problems come first.”
But deep down, he felt vaguely uneasy–Quinn was being unusually calm.[]
seat.
Still, he consoled himself
[Whatever, she’s probably come to terms with it and knows I do care about her.]]
[Once we get married, I’ll make it up to her properly.][]
Outside City Hall, the Davidson family and friends had all gathered–except the bride and her family were nowhere to be seen.
When Kieran showed up late with Luna in tow, his heart sank at the scene.]
“What’s going on… did Quinn get lost or forget?”
He didn’t dare think about other possibilities.]
He tried calling me over and over, but no one picked up. He yanked at his tie, getting more agitated by the minute
Finally, the call connected.]
Kieran practically shouted
“Quinn! Where the hell are you? Both our families are here waiting!”
I watched the familiar cityscape outside my window.
“I already got my certificate. I’m back home.“]
In the room, my favorite jazz was playing softly while the man beside me prepared celebratory champagne.[]
Kieran was completely stunned.]
“Where are you? 1 don’t see you anywhere!“]]
I held up my phone so he could hear the background.
“Listen.”
The smooth music mixed with the sharp “pop” of a champagne cork opening came through clearly.]
Kieran’s body went rigid, his voice shaking.
“You’re… you’re at our old house?”
“Are you insane? I sold that placer“]
I laughed softly.
“I know.“[]
Kieran looked like he’d been struck by lightning.
“What do you mean? You knew and you went there anyway? Quinn, are you doing this on purpose? Today’s our wedding day–even if you’re pissed, don’t pull this shit now“]
“When you sold the house, did you ask me once?“]
My question shut him up immediately.
“That place wasn’t appreciating much anyway. I wanted to get you something better, surprise you–why can’t you understand what I was trying to do?”
I smiled, glancing at the man pouring wine beside me.]
Til never understand your intentions. Not in this lifetime.”
“I’m starting a new life now. Goodbye.”
I hung up and turned off my phone, tossing it into a drawer.
When Kieran tried calling back, all he got was the cold automated message.
Suddenly, he felt like an invisible hand was squeezing his heart, making it impossible to breathe.
A new life? With who?]
Kieran finally realized that this time, I was really done with him.
His parents approached, looking confused.
“What’s going on? Where’s Quinn? Didn’t you go pick her up?”
Kieran’s eyes were red, unable to say a word.
Javier nearby let out a long sigh, finally understanding.
“I told you not to push it too far, but you wouldn’t listen…‘
“Getting married is huge, and you sold the wedding house without even telling her. Now look–the bride ran off with someone else”
“A couple days ago I thought I saw Quinn going into a real estate office with some guy. I figured I was seeing things, but turns out… she’d already found her next move.“]
Kieran’s parents nearly fainted with rage, pointing at their son with trembling hands.
“You worthless piece of garbage! Get out there and bring her back right now!”
Kieran’s eyes were bloodshot as he grabbed Luna’s arm.]
“Luna, come with me! We’re going now!“]}]
Luna winced as he gripped her, pulling back with a hurt expression.[]
“Kieran, you’re hurting my arm… and why do you want me to come? She’s already…”
Kieran exploded.]
“She’s my wife! I can’t let her run off with some other guy!“]
“You have to come with me and explain that there’s nothing between us!“]]
